Volunteer Opportunities at Breaking Barriers

Driving

When Breaking Barriers started back in 1995, driving clients to and from medical appointments was the primary thing we did. Volunteers can choose to drop clients of or provide round trip transportation. Once you are signed up as a volunteer driver you can choose if you are available or not, respond via email and we will set you up. This is a great volunteer opportunity for people who:

• Like one on one contact with clients: This is a great chance to chat with people and listen to their stories
• Have weekday daytime avaiability: Most medical appointments happen from 8am to 5pm
• Like a lowkey environment: Driving is one of our most relaxing volunteer opportunities. You can often go get a cup of coffee and relax after the drop off if you are doing a round trip

Education & Outreach

Breaking Barriers is often out in the community educating people and providing HIV testing. Our counselors are specially trained to provide in depth counseling and referrals to those they test, but we always need people to help recruit clients, staff info tables or assist clients with paperwork. This is a great volunteer opportunity for people who:

• Like to work at night Lots of our outreach occurs at odd hours
• Enjoy meeting new people and seeing the community This is a great way to volunteer for chatty people
• Like a high energy environment

Events

Breaking Barriers attends many community events and we often need help staffing our tables and recruiting people to come get tested. We also hand out materials and make ourselves the life of the party!This is a great volunteer opportunity for people who:

• Like to work outside in the summer: Catch some rays for a great cause!
• Enjoy meeting new people and seeing the community This is a great way to volunteer for chatty people
• Like a high energy environment

Fundraising

Because a large portion of the work we do is not funded, we rely on community support to accomplish our goals and objectives each year. This community support comes through the hard work and dedication of our fundraising team comprised of board members, vounteers and staff. This is a great volunteer opportunity for people who:

• Like to work on the phone and in the office: Sending out requests and making calls to ask people to be a part of the team
• Prefer less service oriented activities: This can be a great way to try out volunteering at a slower pace, behind the scenes
• Enjoy numbers and goal setting: We love to see those goal lines move and the services that they mean we can provide

Office Help

While our amazing staff is out changing the world and saving lives, someone still has to answer the phones. Thats where our amazing office volunteers come in to save the day. This is a great volunteer opportunity for people who:

• Have daytime availability: Our office hours and very friendly on those who like to sleep in.
• Those who enjoy paperclips a bit too much: If you like staplers, we've got a spot for you. Now, stop smelling the markers!
• Likes greeting community members and is skilled with customer service: As fun as the office can be, clients often come in very distressed and need to hear a kind voice and see a smile.

Household Help

This can involve many things. Sometimes people are moving and need an extra hand. Sometimes people just need some help getting their grocery shopping done because they are on a new medication that makes them weak or have just had a major surgery and are unable to lift their arms. It can also be as simple as someone who just needs help with light housecleaning. Similar to transportation, as soon as we know you are interested in this, we will keep you informed when opportunities to help arise and you can jump in when you see something that interests you and matches your schedule. This is a great volunteer opportunity for people who:

• Like a variety of tasks: Household help encompassses many needs a client may have.
• Enjoy basic tasks that improve the quality of life for a client: Sometimes seeing a cleaner house or an accomplished task can really make an overwhleming situation seem bearable.
• Doesn't mind getting their hands dirty: Bust out the rubber gloves because we have some cleaning to do!

Spreading the word

Not every way to give involves giving time or money. Sometimes its as simple as sharing our page to your facebook friends, or encouraging others to donate to the agency. Telling your story about how Breaking Barriers changed your life or the life of someone you know. These ways of reaching out are just as important for the powers that be to see that people understand the importance of a healthy community and that its ok to stand up for what they believe in. Here are some great links to Share:

• Our Facebook page: Facebook Click the link at the bottom left of the page that says "Share"
• Our Twitter Page: Twitter Follow us, #FF us, retweet our tweets!
• This Page: Get Involved This is a great way to tell a friend who wants more information about Breaking Barriers how they can help

Join our teams!

At any given time Breaking Barriers is participating in several community events to raise money for services to benefit clients in need. We always welcome more people to walk with us, run with us, and of course cycle with us. Have you been wanting something constructive and fun to do with friends that also keeps you healthier? Join our teams and come party with us!

• Nor Cal AIDS Cycle: Join You can ride or crew through a four day adventure that will change your life"
• Sac Valley AIDS run/walk: Join Come party on the block with us!
• The Oscars!: Get Involved Ok, so this isn't a team per se, but this is a great party to come to!

Breaking Barriers helps people in our community who are at risk for or living with catastrophic illness live healthy and productive lives. We do this everyday with help from the very communities we serve.